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Category Archives: Furnace

Introducing Tiger Home Awareness Solutions

Did I forget to shut the garage door? Was my package delivered? Is my home secure? Homeownership comes with all kinds of questions, concerns and responsibilities. Wouldn’t it be nice if things were a little easier? Be aware with a smart home from Tiger Home Awareness.

Tiger Home Awareness and Automation Solutions will take away many of the worries that come with owning your home. Imagine how much easier it would be to control lights and lock doors with an app on your phone? Or the peace of mind that would accompany the ability to keep an eye on children, elderly relatives or pets when you are not home. How much more secure would your home be if you could monitor and even interact with people who visit your home with a two-way camera?

Be In Control Anywhere, Anytime

First, you will have control of your home’s automation through an app that you can easily install on your Smartphone.

Next, conveniently located cameras and sensors will allow you to monitor suspicious activity on your property and the coming and goings of visitors.

Furthermore, you can customize alerts that are sent to your phone, which makes it easier to stay up to date on the happenings in your home.

And, easily keep an eye on children or elderly relatives while you are away from home.

Luck and St. Patrick’s Day go together; however, when it comes to caring for your heating and cooling equipment, luck is not a great policy. Your air conditioner and furnace are major pieces of equipment inside your home and it is vital to stay up to date on maintenance to ensure they continue to run at optimal levels.

Benefits of Regular Maintenance:

-Helps extend the life of your heating and cooling equipment.
-Ensures that your equipment is running as efficiently as possible, saving you money.
-Serves as an early warning system for potential safety concerns that might arise.
-Improves your indoor air quality by keeping coils and blower parts in your AC cleaner.
-Decreases the costs and frequency of repairs.
-Can help to improve air circulation in your home.
-Creates better comfort control for your home.

Manufacturers typically recommend that you have your heating and cooling system serviced twice a year. Once in the fall/winter months for your heating equipment and once during the spring/summers months for your cooling equipment.

Winter has arrived in the Midwest and with it comes cold weather that can drive up your energy costs. No one wants to waste money unnecessarily and that is where these six handy energy saving tips come into play!

6 Energy Saving Tips You Need To Try This Winter!

1. Let the light shine in.

Heating your home can be a major expense during chilly days. Give your furnace a bit of a break and use the sun to help warm your home naturally. Open your curtains during the day and let the sunshine in. This action will help warm your home and cut energy costs.

*Remember to close your curtains again at night to help trap the warm air inside your home.

2. Switch over to LED lights.

Winter brings shorter days and less sunlight. Meaning, you are using more energy lighting your home. Help cut energy costs by switching over to more energy efficient and LED light bulbs.

3. Prevent leaks.

Drafty doors and windows can drastically increase your heating bill each month. Even small leaks can really add up. It is best to make sure that you have properly sealed all of your doors and windows with caulk or weather strips.

* If you are concerned that your home may be leaking cold air, call us at (866)844-3770 to have an energy audit performed. An energy audit can show you all of the ways that your home is wasting energy and how you can potentially save a lot of money in the long run.

4. Keep the heat flowing.

Avoid blocking heating vents whenever possible. Not only is blocking heating vents a potential fire hazard but it also forces your heating system to work harder to keep your home warm. Make sure that your vents are not blocked by furniture, toys, clothes, etc.

5. Make sure that your furnace is working properly.

An old, inefficient and/or malfunctioning furnace or heating system can have expensive consequences. Schedule a furnace tune-up and safety check today to ensure that your heating system is functioning at optimal levels.

*Remember having your heating system cleaned and maintained annually will increase the lifespan of your equipment and keep your system running at peak performance levels, saving you money in the long run.

6. Consider adding more insulation.

If your energy bill is higher than you believe it should be during the winter months, you may have an issue with your insulation. Insulation, especially in vulnerable locations like your attic, plays a major role in your home’s energy efficiency needs.

Be Sure to Follow Us for More Energy Saving Tips!

If you have any plumbing, heating, cooling or electrical needs, simply call us at:

2017 is quickly coming to an end and you may be making your resolutions for 2018. Popular resolutions include: joining a gym, starting a diet or quitting a bad habit. While personal and professional resolutions are important, it is also a good idea to add a few New Year’s resolutions for your home as well.

Keep These 3 Resolutions in Mind for 2018:

1. Replace Your Furnace Filter.

Your furnace filter plays a vital role in keeping your heating and air conditioning systems running smoothly. Plus, your furnace filter is an important tool when it comes to improving your home’s indoor air quality and keeping your family healthier.

2. Have Your Ductwork Cleaned.

Speaking of your indoor air quality, if it has been awhile since you have had your ducts cleaned, the beginning of 2017 is a great time to give us a call. Dust mites, allergens and tiny particles love to accumulate in your ductwork. Once you turn on your HVAC system, those particles are blown into the air you and your family breathe. Poor indoor air quality can lead to the worsening of allergies, asthma and other respiratory issues.

3. Take Control of the Humidity in Your Home.

Humidity is an important part of life in the Midwest. Unfortunately, maintaining the right levels of humidity in our homes can be tricky. Too much humidity can lead to mold and mildew growth inside your home. Too little humidity can dry out your skin and nasal passages. Both of these scenarios can be harmful to you and your family’s health. In order to ensure that your home stays between the 30-50% humidity mark, it is a good idea to have a humidity assessment performed.

If you need any help reaching any of these New Year’s resolutions for 2018, just give us a call and we will be there for you.

If you have any plumbing, heating, cooling or electrical needs, simply call us at:

Having to winterize your home may not sound like a fun way to spend your weekend. However, you will be happy that you took the time to winterize and complete these eight tasks when old man winter finally rolls in.

Eight Steps to Winterize Your Home:

Step One: Have Your Heating System Inspected.

-Midwest winters can be brutally cold and the last thing you want to deal with is a broken furnace. Keep your home toasty and comfortable this winter by having your filters, fan/motor, burners, heat exchanger, electrical components, etc. inspected by one of our expert HVAC technicians.

Step Two: Tend to Your Outdoor Faucets and Plumbing.

-Frozen outdoor faucets, busted hoses and valves are a nightmare to deal with and can be expensive to fix. That is why you will want to drain your outdoor faucets and hoses. It is also a good idea to disconnect your hoses if possible. Make sure to close any shutoff valves to your outdoor faucets and switch on the tap, in order to drain the built up water from the pipes.

Step Three: Check Your Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors.

-If you have not checked the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, now is the perfect time to do so. Winter comes with an increased number of house fires and cases of carbon monoxide poisoning and you will want to do everything you can to protect your home and family. So, take a few minutes to put fresh batteries in your detectors and check them to ensure they are functioning properly.

Step Four: Seal Up Those Doors and Windows.

-Keep the cold outside and the warm air inside. Make sure that your window and door seals are properly caulked and ready for the harsh winter weather.

Step Five: Have Your Ductwork Cleaned and Inspected.

-Maintaining your ductwork is vital for the health of your home and family during the colder months. Wintertime means that you will be spending more time indoors, so you will want the air in your home to be as safe and clean as possible. Having your ductwork cleaned is a great way to improve yours and your family’s health and quality of living. Additionally, you will want to have your ductwork sealed to prevent warm air from seeping into unheated areas in your home. Well sealed and insulated ductwork can save you a ton of money down the road.

Step Six: Remember That Insulation is Your Friend.

-Making sure that your home has adequate insulation will help save you money and keep your home nice and comfy!

Step Seven: Get Your Winter Equipment Ready.

-Grab your snow shovel and stock up on rock salt now. You do not want to wait until the first heavy snowfall and find that the stores are all sold out! Also, if you have a snow blower or winter weather equipment, now is a great time to dig them out of the garage and make sure they are working properly.

Step Eight: Take Steps to Avoid Losing Power This Winter.

-A power outage during a blizzard is a major hassle and can be dangerous if it lasts long enough. Investing in a whole home generator will ensure that the power will stay on, even when the weather is at its worst. Call us at (866) 844-3770today, to learn more about your generator options.

Have A Safe Winter!

If you have any plumbing, heating, cooling or electrical needs, simply call us at:

Being a homeowner comes with a lot of responsibilities and tough choices. Unfortunately, some of the decisions you may be making in your home can actually be costing you quite a bit of money. No worries, we are here to help you identify some of the most expensive mistakes made by homeowners and how to correct them.

The Most Expensive Mistakes You Are Making As A Homeowner:

1. Ignoring That Dripping Faucet.

How much damage could a small drip or leak really do? A lot more than you might think! You can waste up to 265 gallons of water per day, depending on how fast the faucet is dripping. This much water waste can really add up on your monthly water bill. Have dripping faucets and other leaks fixed right away to prevent your hard earned money from going down the drain!

2. Allowing Leaky Doors and Windows.

Doorways and windows require regular maintenance to help ensure that you are not wasting extra money on heating and cooling. To save money on your heating bill, it is important to make sure that your doorways and windows are properly sealed and caulked around the edges.

3. You Are Still Using Incandescent Light Bulbs.

Traditional incandescent bulbs require a greater amount of energy than more efficient models. You can see real savings on your power bill each month by switching to LED and energy efficient CFL bulbs.

4. Treating Your Air Filter like an After Thought.

Using the wrong size air filter or forgetting to change it regularly will force your heating and air conditioning system to work much harder, increasing the amount of money you are spending on your power bill. Additionally, failing to properly maintain your air filter will damage your heating and air conditioning system over time, causing costly repairs and shorten the system’s lifespan.

5. Failing to Properly Adjust Your Thermostat.

A benefit of being a homeowner is that you get to control the temperature of your home to fit
your specific comfort desires. However, there is no need for you to be wasting money on keeping your home at the perfect comfortable temperature when you are not there to enjoy it. You can see real savings by simply adjusting your thermostat 10 degrees before leaving for work.

Not to worry if you are not a fan of the idea of coming home to an uncomfortable house or you do not want to have to worry about adjusting your thermostat each morning. Wifi and programmable thermostats are great options if you want the power to control your temperature settings when you are not at home. Contact us today to learn more about the benefits of upgrading your thermostat.

6. Your Water Heater Settings Are Higher Than They Should Be.

Traditional water heaters, versus tankless water heaters, store and heat water around the clock. Which means your water heater is almost constantly using energy to keep a large tank of water heated and ready for use. So, if your temperature is set higher than it needs to be, you are wasting money needlessly. We recommend a water heater setting between 110-115 degrees to save you money on your power bill. You may also want to consider upgrading to a tankless water heater to save even more money.

If you have any plumbing, heating, cooling or electrical needs, simply call us at:

You probably do not give your furnace filter much thought but it plays an important role in keeping your family healthy and your HVAC system running efficiently. What makes your furnace filter so important? Take a deep breath. How is the air quality in your home? The condition of your furnace filter helps improve you and your family’s quality of living.

What does a furnace filter do?

There are different types of furnace filters ranging from basic to high efficiency models. The type of furnace filter used in your home will depend on the type of HVAC system in your home. However, the functions of any furnace filter are basically the same. Furnace filters are designed to work with your heating and cooling system to improve your indoor air quality.

Additionally, furnace filters also work to help protect and extend the life of your furnace. Debris and dust are drawn into your furnace through your return ducts and without a filter the debris will collect on the heat exchanger, fan, coil, etc. causing your unit to work longer and harder, leading to early system failure.

Why should you clean/replace your furnace filters regularly?

A dirty furnace filter means air has trouble flowing through your system. Greatly hindering the amount of heating and cooling your system can do. If your system cannot heat and cool properly your evaporator coil can freeze up if the across air flow is low, which can cause your AC unit to stop working altogether.

A worn out or dirty furnace filter will also affect the efficiency levels of your HVAC system. Your fan has to work so much harder to pull air through the dirty coil. Your HVAC system will consume more energy having to run longer and harder, costing you more money on your power bill. However, a clean furnace filter will allow air to flow freely through your HVAC system, saving energy and money, while still blocking pollutants and allergens.

Your furnace filter and your indoor air quality are intertwined. Once your filter becomes clogged with dust, air flow will be restricted, causing dust to settle throughout your ductwork. This dust will then be blown into the air you and your family breathe. Dust mites, bacteria and other allergens will be able to grow in your ductwork and be released into the air.

How can you ensure that your furnace filter is clean and functioning properly?

Your filter is located in your furnace and most are disposable. If you have a disposable filter, remember to change it every 1 to 3 months (although some filters may last up to six months) depending on the type of filter you have and the cleanliness of your system. There are a few other factors that will determine how frequently you will need to change your filter. For example, if you have pets, smoke or anyone in your home suffers from allergies; your filter should be changed more often. Additionally, fiberglass filters need to be changed sooner than pleated filters.

These disposable furnace filters are typically only capable of removing 3-5% of the debris and dust particles that pass through them. There are other options when it comes to furnace filters, some of these are permanent and more efficient. To learn more about these higher efficiency filters or to have any of your heating or cooling concerns addressed, call us at (866)844-3770.

If you have any plumbing, heating, cooling or electrical needs, simply call us at:

Labor Day is the unofficial end of summer here in the Midwest. The weather will slowly start to transition from hot, humid summer temperatures to cool, crisp autumn air. As we begin to move from one season to another, here are a few things to keep in mind to ensure that you are ready for what is to come.

Life After Labor Day:

One important thing to keep in mind is that summer is ending, it is not over. You will want to hold off on packing up those summer clothes and you will likely want to keep using your AC for the next several weeks. The good news is that as the days start to become a little cooler, your AC will need to run less often to keep you and your family comfortable. Saving energy and money!

A ceiling fan will also go a long way in keeping your home comfortable over the next couple of months. Ceiling fans will help distribute the cooler air throughout your home, causing your AC to run less often.

Seasonal Allergies:

With the changing weather comes fall allergies, making this time of year rough for those of us who have to battle seasonal allergens. Ragweed, pollen, dust mites, all on top of all the other allergen triggers can turn the beautiful months of fall into a sneezing nightmare. While you may not be able to do much about the air outside, you can clean and purify the air you breathe inside your home.

Start by changing the air filter inside your furnace. Changing your air filter as recommended will not only greatly improve your indoor air quality, but it will also help your heating and cooling system run more efficiently.

The next step is to have a member of our team come out and thoroughly clean and sanitize your ductwork. Having your ducts cleaned is a great way to get the allergens and bacteria out of the air you and your family breathes. Call (866)844-3770 to schedule your duct cleaning today!

Have a Safe and Happy Labor Day!

If you have any plumbing, heating, cooling or electrical needs, simply call us at:

Winter is coming to an end, hopefully, and you’re looking forward to warmer days. So, is it really worth having your furnace inspected and tuned up this late in the season? The answer is yes, there are several important benefits to having your furnace inspected late in the season. This is especially true if you haven’t had any maintenance performed on your heating system this year.

One important thing to remember is that your furnace and air conditioning units work together, in a way. Your cooling and heating systems are combined and share the same ductwork. Additionally, these systems have other shared indoor air handler components, like; air circulating blower fan, the refrigerant expansion valve, and refrigerant lines, evaporator coil, air filter, etc. So, when you’re properly maintaining your heating system, your air conditioning unit is benefiting as well.

Another benefit of a tune up late in the season is that it keeps your furnace running efficiently. The weather in the mid-west is extremely misleading. One day it seems spring has sprung and the next day a foot of snow falls. The fluctuation in temperatures has you constantly adjusting your thermostat, which can put a lot of strain on your heating system. An inspection/ tune-up will ensure that your furnace is running efficiently, saving you money on your heating bill. Additionally, a tune up now will also help prevent your furnace from failing when you need it most.

To schedule your furnace inspection/tune up call us at (866) 844-3770 or schedule your appointment online at TrustTiger.com.

If you have any plumbing, heating, cooling or electrical needs, simply call us at:

Valentine’s Day is coming up and it could be a chilly one. However, the cold weather outside doesn’t mean you can’t heat things up inside! Here are a few ideas to share the love and stay warm in every room of your home this Valentine’s Day.

Heat Up Your Kitchen.

The best way to warm up someone’s heart is through their stomach. If any of your Valentine’s Day plans involve staying home and preparing a romantic dinner, you’ll want to include these tips for a little extra heat.

Start dinner with a steaming bowl of soup. The long-simmering cooking process will help heat up your kitchen. Plus the warm soup will help raise your core body temperature.

Don’t skip your carbs. Your body turns carbs into energy, which will provide your body with some added warmth. Just don’t overdo it on the carbs, since it is Valentine’s Day. Try sticking to complex carbs, so you can avoid the sleepy, full feeling and the sugar crash. And remember not to stuff yourself!

Don’t trap the heat. After you’re done preparing your romantic dinner, leave the oven door propped open a little. This allows the heat from your oven to flow through your kitchen for added warmth. Just remember to make sure the oven is turned off the moment you’re done cooking. You should never use your oven to heat your home!

Don’t Freeze in the Living Room.

Cuddling with your loved one on the sofa and watching a movie is a simple and romantic way to spend Valentine’s Day. But include a few of these ideas to take things to the next level and create more heat between the two of you.

Opt for more romantic lighting. Placing a few candles around the room is not only a way to set the right Valentine’s Day mood, but they help produce extra heat. Just never leave candles unattended. For added romance choose scented candles.

Snuggle up. Cuddling together under a warm blanket while watching television is a great way to stay warm. Plus it’s super romantic and extremely affordable.

Don’t forget the hot chocolate. When snuggling on the sofa, use a warm cup of hot cocoa for added warmth and romance.

Build a cozy fort. That’s right! Grab your blankets and pillows and build yourselves a little fort in the living room. Not only will you be warm, but a fort adds a real level of fun to your Valentine’s Day! Grab a few board games and your tablet to make your fort even better.

If you have a fireplace, use it. Nothing says romance and warmth more than a roaring fire.

Keep A Toasty Bathroom.

Remember that when you’re getting ready for your Valentine’s Day date that you can still stay warm.

Don’t waste that hot water. After you’re done taking a bath, don’t drain the water. Let the warm water stay in the tub until it is at least warm temperature. The heat from the water will help warm your bathroom. Plus, the warm water will add extra humidity to your home.

Heating Up The Bedroom

Staying warm in the bedroom this Valentine’s Day is easier than you might think!

Toss on an extra blanket. Layers are a great way to stay warm and your bed is not an exception. So make sure you have enough comfy blankets before trying to go to sleep.

Plan ahead. Grab a rubber water bottle or two, fill them with hot water and place them between your sheets a few hours before you go to bed. Doing this will help ensure that your bed is warm and toasty when you go to turn in.

Indoor camping? If the cold really bothers you, toss a sleeping bag on your bed. Sleeping bags are typically better insulated than most blankets. So, you and your partner can snuggle up together in perfect comfort.

Other Ideas For Staying Warm This Valentine’s Day

In case your Valentine’s Day isn’t warm enough for you, here are a few more ideas to help you out.

Get active. Getting up and moving around is one of the best ways to warm yourself up. Try taking your date dancing, go bowling or go rollerblading.

Make sure your home is always at the perfect temperature. A properly maintained and functioning furnace is the key to ensuring your home is always toasty and comfy. Call us at (866) 844-3770 or check us out online at TrustTiger.com, to schedule your furnace check up today.